Improved Artificial Neural Network with High Precision for Predicting Burnout among Managers and Employees of Start-Ups during COVID-19 Pandemic

Notwithstanding the impact that the Coronavirus pandemic has had on the physical and psychological wellness of people, it has also caused a change in the psychological conditions of many employees, particularly among organizations and privately owned businesses, which confronted numerous limitations because of the unique states of the pandemic. Accordingly, the current review expected to implement an RBF neural network to dissect the connection between demographic variables, resilience, Coronavirus, and burnout in start-ups. The examination technique was quantitative. The statistical populace of the review is directors and representatives of start-ups. In view of the statistical sample size of the limitless community, 384 of them were investigated. For information gathering, standard polls incorporating MBI-GS and BRCS and specialist-made surveys of pressure brought about by Coronavirus were utilized. The validity of the polls was affirmed by a board of specialists and their reliability was affirmed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The designed network structure had ten neurons in the input layer, forty neurons in the hidden layer, and one neuron in the output layer. The amount of training and test data were 70% and 30%, respectively. The output of the neural network and the collected results were compared with each other, and the designed network was able to classify all the data correctly. Using the method presented in this research can greatly help the sustainability of companies

Catalyzed synthesis and characterization of a novel lignin-based curing agent for the curing of high-performance epoxy resin

In this study, lignin, an aromatic compound from the forestry industry, was used as a renewable material to synthesize a new aromatic amine curing agent for epoxy resin. Firstly, lignin was separated from black liquor and hydroxyl groups were converted to tosyl groups as leaving groups. Then, primary amination was conducted using an ammonia solution at high pressure and temperature, in the presence of a nano-alumina-based catalyst. The structure of the nanocatalyst was confirmed by FT-IR, ICP, SEM, and XPS analyses. According to the FT-IR spectra, a demethylation reaction, the substitution of hydroxyl groups with tosyl groups, and then an amination reaction were successfully performed on lignin, which was further confirmed by the 13 C NMR and CHNS analyses. The active hydrogen equivalent of aminated lignin was determined and three samples with 9.9 wt %, 12.9 wt %, and 15.9 wt % of aminated lignin, as curing agents, were prepared for curing the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). The thermal characteristics of the curing process of these epoxy samples were determined by DSC and TGA analyses. Moreover, the mechanical performance of the cured epoxy systems, e.g., the tensile strength and Izod impact strength, were measured, showing that in the presence of 12.9 wt % aminated lignin, the mechanical properties of the aminated lignin-epoxy system exhibited the best performance, which was competitive, compared to the epoxy systems cured by commercial aromatic curing agents

Relationship between thyroid stimulating hormone and metabolic syndrome in overweight/obese children

Background: Background: Obesity, especially central obesity is related to many endocrine abnormalities, such as thyroid dysfunctions. Elevated levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is common in obese children, however, it is not clear if such condition is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors. The study aimed to determine the association between levels of TSH in overweight and obese children with components of metabolic syndrome (Mets). Methods: The study sample included 197 overweight/obese 6-7 year old children in Tehran, Iran. Anthropometric (weight, waist circumference and height), metabolic (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose) and hormonal (TSH) variables, as well as blood pressure were measured. Mets was defined according to Cook definition. Results: Totally, 20.3% and 79.7% of children were overweight and obese, respectively. Elevated levels of TSH were diagnosed in 10 subjects (5.1%), while Mets was seen in 35.4%. The most frequent component of Mets was abdominal obesity (72.5%). A weak positive correlation between BMI for age, Z scores and TSH level (r =0.11, P value= 0.123) was observed only in girls (r=0.2, P value= 0.034). TSH was not associated with components of Mets. Conclusion: Elevated TSH levels may be found in obese children; however, the association between TSH elevation and cardiovascular disease risk factors, including components of metabolic syndrome needs further investigation

Status of HIV and hepatitis C virus infections among prisoners in the Middle East and North Africa: review and synthesis.

INTRODUCTION: The status of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among incarcerated populations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the links between prisons and the HIV epidemic are poorly understood. This review synthesized available HIV and HCV data in prisons in MENA and highlighted opportunities for action. METHODS: The review was based on data generated through the systematic searches of the MENA HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Synthesis Project (2003 to December 15, 2015) and the MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project (2011 to December 15, 2015). Sources of data included peer-reviewed publications and country-level reports and databases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We estimated a population of 496,000 prisoners in MENA, with drug-related offences being a major cause for incarceration. Twenty countries had data on HIV among incarcerated populations with a median prevalence of 0.6% in Afghanistan, 6.1% in Djibouti, 0.01% in Egypt, 2.5% in Iran, 0% in Iraq, 0.1% in Jordan, 0.05% in Kuwait, 0.7% in Lebanon, 18.0% in Libya, 0.7% in Morocco, 0.3% in Oman, 1.1% in Pakistan, 0% in Palestine, 1.2% in Saudi Arabia, 0% in Somalia, 5.3% in Sudan and South Sudan, 0.04% in Syria, 0.05% in Tunisia, and 3.5% in Yemen. Seven countries had data on HCV, with a median prevalence of 1.7% in Afghanistan, 23.6% in Egypt, 28.1% in Lebanon, 15.6% in Pakistan, and 37.8% in Iran. Syria and Libya had only one HCV prevalence measure each at 1.5% and 23.7%, respectively. There was strong evidence for injecting drug use and the use of non-sterile injecting-equipment in prisons. Incarceration and injecting drugs, use of non-sterile injecting-equipment, and tattooing in prisons were found to be independent risk factors for HIV or HCV infections. High levels of sexual risk behaviour, tattooing and use of non-sterile razors among prisoners were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Prisons play an important role in HIV and HCV dynamics in MENA and have facilitated the emergence of large HIV epidemics in at least two countries, Iran and Pakistan. There is evidence for substantial but variable HIV and HCV prevalence, as well as risk behaviour including injecting drug use and unprotected sex among prisoners across countries. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive harm-reduction strategies in prisons

Studying the potential of xanthan gum production by local bacterial isolate of Iran

Background and Aim: Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide biopolymer which is produced by bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas. The purpose of this study is evaluation of  increase potential of xanthan gum production by local bacterial isolate from Iran. Materials and Methods: In this study, xanthan production in a new strain and native of Xanthomonas campestris strain saba.ton and bacterium of X. campestris PTCC 1473.To produce the gum, bacteria after becoming active in YDC Broth and producing have been studied biomass to were transferred  Gum (Production Culture). To produce to a sufficient a mount cell dry weight, diluted fermentation medium and centrifuged, the supernatant was removed for isolation of xanthan cell mass deposition, resuspension and isolated by ethanol precipitation of xanthan and xanthan dry weight was determined by centrifugation done. Results: Based on comparison between native species with standard species, the native one has had a faster growth (within 24 hours of native strains, reference strains during 48 hours). The Colonies of native species in comparison with standard strains were more yellow, larger and more highly viscous but two bacteria have had the same biochemical properties. Dry weight of xanthan produced by the native strain was 1.08 g /100 ml and standard strain was 0.73 g /100 ml. Conclusions: The results showed that the bacterium of X. campestris strain saba.ton as a native strain, in comparison with standard strain of X. campestris than PTCC 1473 without optimization in conditions of growth have high in the production of xanthon and it can be used in different industries with purifying produced xanthan

Optimization of Coagulation-Flocculation Process in Efficient Arsenic Removal from Highly Contaminated Groundwater by Response Surface Methodology

Elevated arsenic (As) contamination in water, especially groundwater, has been recognized as a major problem of catastrophic proportions. This work explores As(V) removal via the coagulation-flocculation process by use of ferric chloride coagulant and polyacrylamide k16 co-coagulant as a first time. The effects of major operating variables such as coagulant dosing (50, 125 and 200 mg/L), co-coagulant dosing (5, 12.5 and 20 mg/L), pH (6, 7and 8), fast mixing time (1, 2 and 3 min), and fast mixing speed (110, 200 and 300 rpm) on As(V) removal efficiency were investigated by a Box-Behnken statistical experiment design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). According to factors F values, coagulant dosing, rapid mixing speed, pH, and co-coagulant dosing showed the most effect on As(V) removal efficiency, and the rapid mixing time factor indicated the slightest effect. The proposed quadratic model was significant with a p value R2 and adjusted R2 values of 0.9855 and 0.9738, respectively. Predicted model optimal conditions with target of complete As(V) removal were coagulant dosing = 197.63 ppm, co-coagulant dosing = 19.55 ppm, pH = 7.37, fast mixing time = 1.43 min and fast mixing speed = 286.77 rpm. The treatment of Nazarabad well water sample with an initial As(V) concentration of 5 mg/L under the optimal conditions removed 100% As(V) with the volume of produced sludge of 10.7 mL/200 mL. Increasing coagulant dosing, co-coagulant dosing, fast mixing time and fast mixing speed operation parameters from low-level to high-level values indicated 78%, 20%, 10.52% and 9.47% increases in volume of the produced sludge, respectively. However, a reduction of 13.63% in volume of the produced sludge resulted via pH increases

Useful approaches for reducing aflatoxin M1 content in milk and dairy products

The quality and safety of food are of major importance. Using contaminated animals' milk and meat may result in human disease. Among microorganisms, fungal toxins, especially aflatoxin B-1 (AFB1), are of special importance. Aflatoxin M-1 (AFM-1) is a metabolite that is produced by conversion and hydroxylation of AFB-1. Both toxins can cause acute and chronic mycotoxicosis mainly through ingestion of contaminated milk. Hence, it is critical to control and decrease these microorganisms. Despite cost-effective efforts, preventing foods contamination due to aflatoxins (AFs) is not only an expensive but also a difficult task. The best agricultural monitoring during preharvest and postharvest stages cannot eliminate the AFs, especially AFM-1 from milk and dairy products because of the high resistance of these toxins. There have been numerous studies investigating the methods of AF detoxification or reduction from infected milk. By focusing on advantages and disadvantages of preventative procedures using probiotics, antibodies, chemisorbents and even additives, one can choose one or several procedures to eliminate or reduce AFM-1 in milk and its byproducts efficiently

Effects of Electrical Current on Fungal and Bacterial Removal from Water

Removing pathogens from water to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases is of great importance. The present study was designed and implemented to investigate the effects of electric current on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, Escherichia coli, and the Candida albicans yeast. For this purpose, nutrient Agar and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar were used as the media to activate the bacteria and yeasts, respectively. Part of the colony from each medium was taken into an experimental tube to prepare suspensions. The number of microorganisms in 1 cc of each suspension was calculated at time zero and the suspension was poured into the electrolysis container. Samples of the microbial suspensions were taken in triplicates after 5 ,10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes and transferred into the culture medium. Measurements were recorded upon completion of  the incubation period. It was found that the bacteria and the yeast could be killed using a voltage of 16.5 v and a current of mA such that the number of E. coli decreased significantly after 25 and 30 minutes. The results indicate that each microorganism species exhibits its own charateristic sensitivity  to electrical current so that increased voltage and/or prolonged exposure to the current will have a higher inhibitory effect on the growth of most species of microorganism

Tagging of resistance gene(s) to rhizomania disease in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

The rhizomania disease is one of the most important diseases in Iran and some other parts of the world which potentially could play a role in decreasing sugar yield in fields. One approach to combat with thisdisease is the use of resistance varieties. This varieties have been identified which are having resistance genes to rhizomania disease (i.e. Rz1, Rz2). In order to use these genes in breeding programs(MAS) tagging these genes with molecular markers is necessary. In our study, we used infected soil which was provided from infected fields then greenhouse test was done to identify resistance and susceptible plants. Extracted DNA from leaves of resistant and susceptible plants was bulked to provide two bulks for resistance and susceptible plants. Three-hundred RAPD primers were used in analysis of the two bulks and two F2 populations. One population was obtained from a cross betweenHolly1-4 as resistance parent and an annual variety as susceptible plant. The second population was constructed by crossing between WB42 as resistance parent and L 261 as susceptible one. Finallygenes were tagged using two RAPD primers and one of the markers is OP-091150 which is 27 cM apart from Rz1 gene in coupling phase. The second marker is OP-AN9600 which is 13.7 cM apart from Rz1 geneand in repulsion phase